Applications of Satellite Imaging Radar

M.R. Inggs and R.T. Lord Radar Remote Sensing Group University of Cape Town South Africa

Presentation Overview
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Applications
On the Oceans On the Land example: SAR map of Germany Palaeodrainage and geological mapping Derivation of Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) InSAR for earthquake mapping in South Africa Measuring the deflection of the earth's crust Recent X-SAR / SRTM mission Properties of Digital Elevation Models White Sands, New Mexico Drakensberg, Lesotho / South Africa

Interferometric SAR (InSAR) Applications

Overview (continued)
Along Track Scanning Radiometer (ATSR) Applications Wind Scatterometer (WSC) Applications
Ocean Surface Winds

Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME) Applications Microwave Sounder (MWR) Applications
Monitoring of the Antarctic Ice Cycle

Radar Altimeter (RA) Applications

Overview (continued)
Remote Sensing Applications in the Earth Environment Coastal Zone Monitoring
Detection of Oil Spills

Agriculture
Agricultural Region in the State of Washington

Map Compiling and Updating

Ortho-Rectified Radarsat-SAR Fine Mode Image

Natural Disasters: Volcanoes

Guagua Pichincha Volcano

Overview (continued)
Natural Disasters: Earthquakes and Landslides
Landers Earthquake

Natural Disasters: Floods

Flooding on the Yangtze River, China

Natural Disasters: Hurricanes

AVHRR Image of Hurricane Floyd RADARSAT Image of Hurricane Floyd

Acknowledgements

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Applications

On the Oceans
Detecting and monitoring oil spills. Ships can be detected and tracked from their wakes. Relating radar backscatter from the ocean surface to wind and current fronts, to eddies, and to internal waves. In shallow waters SAR imagery allows inference of bathymetry. Deriving the direction of displacement of ocean waves, providing input for wave forecasting and for marine climatology. Regional ice monitoring. Information such as ice type and ice concentration can be derived and open leads detected, which is essential for navigation in ice-infested waters.

On the Land
The ability of SAR to penetrate cloud cover makes it particularly valuable in cloudy areas such as the tropics. Image data serve to map and monitor the use of the land, and are of gaining importance for forestry and agriculture. Geological or geomorphological features are enhanced in radar images thanks to the oblique viewing of the sensor and to its ability to penetrate (to a certain extent) the vegetation cover. SAR data can be used to georeference other satellite imagery to high precision, and to update thematic maps more frequently and cost-effectively, due to its availability, independent of weather conditions. In the aftermath of a flood, the ability of SAR to penetrate clouds is extremely useful. Here SAR data can help to optimize response initiatives and to assess damages: NE RSA and Mozambique recently. Interferometric SAR (InSAR) can be used, under suitable conditions, to derive elevation models or to detect small surface movements, of the order of a few centimeters, caused by earthquakes, landslides or glacier advancement.

SAR Map of Germany

The image shows a SAR radarmap covering the whole of Germany. The data used have been acquired by the high-resolution SAR sensor onboard the remote sensing satellite ERS-1. From 150 geocoded terrain corrected scenes an image mosaic with a pixel size of 25m has been composed, which provides a data base for diverse applications.

Palaeodrainage and Geological Mapping

A number of studies have been conducted at UCT in which SIR-C and traditional optical and infra red imaging data have been evaluated for palaeodrainage and general geological mapping in NW South Africa and Southern Namibia.

This is a SIR-C image of the Roter Kamm meteorite impact crater in Namibia. Of particular interest was the possibility of surface penetration of the dry sand in this region by the SIR-C radar bands.

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Interferometric SAR (InSAR) Applications

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Derivation of Digital Elevation Models

Tandem ERS data was used at UCT to derive a DEM of the Cape Town area. This turned into a study of aberrations found in single antenna interferometry. The aberrations have been attributed to atmospheric perturbations, or inconsistencies between image acquisitions. We have also trained Indian scientists to produce DEMs for hydrological studies of remote areas which are under development. ERS multi-look intensity image and the flattened interferogram of the Western Cape region.

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InSAR for Earthquake Mapping in South Africa

Current work at UCT entails using differential InSAR to map the surface effect of a recent earthquake in the gold fields of South Africa. This Richter magnitude 4.2 seismic event, although possibly triggered by mining activity, occurred in a broad zone of infrequent natural seismicity. The Welkom goldfields area shown below is not ideal for repeat pass interferometry, since most of it is covered by active agricultural lands. The coherence is extremely low between passes, and therefore interferometry may not be feasible at all.

False colour intensity composite of two ERS passes over the Welkom goldfields.

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Measuring the Deflection of the Earth's Crust

Stereo ERS derived digital elevation model of part of Lesotho. The filling of the Katse Dam in Lesotho has initiated research at UCT to apply differential InSAR to the mapping of ground deformation induced by the loading effect of a large reservoir.

185 m concrete arch Katse dam.

Katse dam 3-year differential phase with residual topography. There are no apparent deformation fringes.
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X-SAR / SRTM
Launch: 11th February 2000 Duration: 11 days Spaceshuttle: Endeavour (STS-99) X-SAR / SRTM is an innovative way of collecting highly accurate topographic information using spaceborne radar instruments. The collected radar images are converted to digital elevation models (DEMs) spanning the globe between 60 North and 58 South.

A deployable 60 m mast carries a second set of receiving antennas at its tip, allowing the very first threedimensional view from space to earth.
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Properties of Digital Elevation Models

Single Pass Interferometry X-SAR / SRTM Horiz. Accuracy Vert. Accuracy Horiz. Sampling ** Vert. Sampling Projection Spheroid Tile Size Data Format ca. 20m * ca. 4m * 1" x 1" lat/lon 1m Geogr. Co-ordinates WGS84 15' x 15' lat/lon 16 bit signed integer Repeat Pass Interferometry ERS-Tandem ca. 20m * ca. 20m * 1" x 1" lat/lon 1m Geogr. Co-ordinates WGS84 15' x 15' lat/lon 16 bit signed integer

* accuracy for 66% of the data ** approximately 30m for mid-latitudes

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White Sands, New Mexico

The scene shows an area near White Sands, New Mexico, USA and covers approximately 50 km x 150 km. The individual phase values appear as coloured rings. The steeper the slopes, the closer the fringes. Topography can already be seen directly in the interferogram.

Interferogram

Radar Image

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Drakensberg, Lesotho / South Africa

Date: 19-Feb-2000 Scene Centre: 28 06' East 30 24' South Region: Drakensberg

The most elevated stretch of the Drakensberg, in eastern and southern Lesotho, is composed of severely eroded basalt capping a sandstone base. Its pinnacles and broken and fractured blocks present a steep eastern scarp along the length of the border between Lesotho and KwaZulu/Natal. A steep southern scarp lies along the length of the Lesotho-Eastern province border.

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Along Track Scanning Radiometer (ATSR) Applications

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ATSR Applications
Monitoring of agricultural fires and wildfires. Distribution at global scale and in near real time. All hot spots (including gas flares) with a temperature higher than 312 K at night are precisely localised (better that 1 km). Volcano monitoring. Measuring ocean skin temperatures.

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Wind Scatterometer (WSC) Applications

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Ocean Surface Winds

This map displays the ocean surface winds at 10m on the 28th July 2000 from the ERS-2 scatterometer. The data was computed by ESA and provided in their fast delivery product data. The current empirically derived model function being used by ESA to relate normalised radar cross-section with wind speed and direction is referred to as CMOD4.

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Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME) Applications

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GOME Applications
Atmospheric ozone and NO2 global monitoring have been going on since GOME products became available (July 1996). Additional applications could stem from on-going scientific studies as GOME data can be used also for retrieving other trace gases relevant to the ozone chemistry as well as other atmospheric constituents and climatic variables like clouds, aerosols and solar index, crucial for assessing climatic change.

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Microwave Sounder (MWR) Applications

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Monitoring of the Antarctica Ice Cycle

Mapping the radiometric properties of the ice-shelf, which has a slower time evolution than the atmosphere and the ocean, is a valuable input to understand the growth, decay and dynamics of ice sheets, which in turn is fundamental to understand environmental and climate changes.

Colours have been chosen so that the free ocean (lowest brightness temperatures) appears in blue, whereas the sea-ice (warmest brightness temperatures, due to its high emissivity) is in yellow.

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Radar Altimeter (RA) Applications

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Radar Altimeter Applications

Measuring the marine geoid Measuring sea state Measuring the topography of the oceans

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Remote Sensing Applications in the Earth Environment

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Coastal Zone Monitoring

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Detection of Oil Spills

The Sea Empress, a 147,000 ton supertanker, ran aground on rocks in the south of Wales, on the evening of February 15th, 1996. Seven days later, RADARSAT captured this image, clearly delineating the remaining oil slick. Size, location and dispersement of the oil spill can be conveniently determined using this type of imagery. The spill appears on the image in black tones

Canadian Space Agency, 1996

(A) Oil, which floats on the top of water, suppresses the ocean's capillary waves, creating a surface smoother than the surrounding water. This smoother surface appears dark in the radar image. (B) The discharge from the Tywi River is keeping the immediate shore clear. (C) The slick is extending south into the Bay. (D) The potential impact of the oil lessens as the spill starts to emulsify (break-down) and clean-up efforts begin to take effect.

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Agriculture

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Agricultural Region in the State of Washington

This RADARSAT image shows an agricultural region in the State of Washington. The circular features seen near the bottom of the image are created by a central pivot irrigation system. The brighter circles could be indicating either the presence of vegetation or an increase in the amount of moisture in those fields. A bit to the north, there is an area characterized by rectangular field patterns. The brighter fields (A) are vegetated while the darker (B) are bare. To the east, a striking dendritic drainage pattern is visible.

Canadian Space Agency, 1996

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Map Compiling and Updating

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Ortho-Rectified Radarsat-SAR Fine Mode Image

RADARSAT Image: Courtesy of CSA, 1996

Main Streets in red Secondary Roads in blue City Streets in white

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Natural Disasters: Volcanoes

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Guagua Pichincha Volcano

Radarsat Image of Guagua Pichincha Volcano near Quito, Ecuador. Red: April 18, 1999 Green: March 25, 1999 Blue: Coherence March-April Satellite images are revealing the growth of a lava dome. The appearance of such a new lava dome is significant because (1) it signals the presence of new magma within the volcano and (2) dome growth at volcanoes such as Guagua Pichincha is typically accompanied by explosive activity.

Canadian Space Agency, 1999

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Natural Disasters: Earthquakes and Landslides

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Landers Earthquake
(a) Observed interferogram calculated from ERS-1 SAR images taken before (April 24, 1992) and after (June 18, 1993) the earthquake. Each fringe in parts a, b and c denotes 28 mm of change in range. The asymmetry between the two sides of the fault is due to the curvature of the fault and the geometry of the radar. Black lines denote the surface rupture mapped in the field. The altitude of ambiguity is 220 m. (b) Modeled interferogram with black lines denoting fault patches included in the elastic dislocation model. (c) Residual (observed minus modeled) interferogram. (d) Radar brightness (amplitude) image.

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Natural Disasters: Floods

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Flooding on the Yangtze River, China

This image shows flooding on the Yangtze River, China. The RADARSAT ScanSAR narrow data were acquired on August 12, 1998 at 6:20 AM local time. Scientists at the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing geocoded, enhanced and classified the RADARSAT data with respect to areas inundated by water. GIS data were overlaid on the RADARSAT image to provide a map reference for normal water levels.
Canadian Space Agency, 1998

The resulting image displays nonflooded areas in grey tones, normal waters levels in dark blue, flooded areas in light blue and the urban area of the city of Wuhan in red.

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Natural Disasters: Hurricanes

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AVHRR Image of Hurricane Floyd

Coincident Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) image of Hurricane Floyd. Date: August 29, 1999 Time: 22:22 UTC AVHRR data is acquired with an optical sensor at visible and infrared (reflective and thermal) wavelengths.

1999 Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Laboratory

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RADARSAT Image of Hurricane Floyd

RADARSAT Image of Hurricane Floyd Date: September 15, 1999 Time: 11:08 UTC Beam: ScanSAR Wide B

Canadian Space Agency, 1999

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Acknowledgements
ESA Earth Remote Sensing Home Page: http://earth.esa.int/ Canada Centre for Remote Sensing: http://www.ccrs.nrcan.gc.ca/ The German Remote Sensing Data Center: http://www.dfd.dlr.de/ The NASA/JPL Imaging Radar Home Page: http://southport.jpl.nasa.gov/ Remote Sensing Platforms and Sensors: http://quercus.art.man.ac.uk/rs/sat_list.cfm Radar Remote Sensing Group UCT Home Page: http://rrsg.ee.uct.ac.za/

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